Chelsea Transfer Rumor: Blues Have to Shell out £25M for Young Everton Target?

English Premier League club Chelsea have reportedly targeted Ross Barkley as a possible transfer target. The 18-year old midfielder, who plays for league rivals Everton, is believed to be manager Andre Villas-Boas' choice of one of a number of young addition to his squad meant to replace ageing Chelsea regulars.

According to the English media, Villas Boas and the Chelsea board are willing to let as many as seven first-team regulars leave, in the January transfer window. The Everton midfielder is expected to replace Englishman Frank Lampard, who despite his good performances has found himself an unused substitute on a number of occasions.

Barkley has already made five appearances for Everton this season despite not being a regular first team player and the form he has shown has encouraged media pundits to tag him as one of the biggest English prospects in the modern game. However, regardless of his form, Everton manager David Moyes has chosen to use him carefully, as he seeks to introduce him as slowly as possible to the rigors of Premiership football.

The England Under-21 international commands a fee of around £25 million, according to a Footylatest.com report.